Eat, drink, and dream Boston

After a bit of night time reading, I fell asleep dreaming of Boston. I guess it’s no surprise, after 9 years of chasing down this goal, that I have quite the collection of tid bits on the race. Last night’s article from the March/April 2000 issue of Marathon & Beyond was on recovering from Boston. It noted the excessive downhill of the race, something I must admit that I am not as prepared for as I’d like. Not surprisedly, the article also went into a long bit on injuries. The main point of the article, however, stressed the importance of having a post-race plan to minimize the feeling the blues and and losing focus after leaving the Patriot’s Day hype.

I awoke to find my usual smattering of SPAM and greetings from folks in far off places (listed in order of deletion, not importance). And of course, in the mix was a few treasures: emails from you, my dear readers. I treasure these. Did you know that? My comments and blog love mean so much.

The connections I’ve made over the years after my entry into the wonderful world of blogging has been phenomenal. We share so much with each other that it’s sometimes hard to believe that we’ve never actually met. And when we do meet, it’s fabulous! She Do Run Run, Greg F, Runner Susan, Magazine Smiles, Debbra, Running Stitch and the Family Stitch, Mia Goddess, 21st Century Mom, and The Amazing Hip: Wouldn’t you agree? If I’ve left you off the list, I assure you it was in error. Give a shout out, please.

This morning, I was greeted with a bit of Boston remembrance from long-time reader, Vince. Reading this email brought tears to my eyes. Yes, I am a blubbering fool. I immediately wrote back to thank Vince and ask his permission to share with you.

Vince is not a blogger…yet. I’ve been working on him for years. Anyhow, every so often he sends me wonderfully written pieces of advice, encouragement, and what-have-you’s.

This “Boston primer” was one that just had to be shared. If you have one you’d care to share as well, please feel free to post in the comments field. Alternately, you can email me: julskeepingpace@me.com

And now….

A Short Boston Primer — by Vince

So I am sure that you have all of the advice you need, from friends who have run Boston before, but I thought I would pass on a few thoughts and reminders as the day approaches. Boston is a big sprawling city, full of energy and more so on this weekend. Keep in mind that the Celtics are usually hosting a 1^st round NBA playoff series, the Red Sox are at home, and Patriots day is a State Holiday with a ton of associated historical events. The energy is amazing. Throw in thousands of fit runners from around the world and this is the place to be. Take your time, explore a bit, but just enjoy the assembly of runners, it’s like the Pro Bowl, a collective reward for great performances. You will never see so many fit people in one place in your life.

Enjoy Sunday morning, all over Boston area, runners are out running a last warm up, you wave and nod and are part of the club and you all know you are doing something special in 24 hours. Wear your colors, race top from Portland or Big Sur.

OK, best part of the experience, after the bus drops you off Monday morning, walking up the quarter mile from the center of Hopkinton to the athletes village, and tell yourself that there is absolutely no place you would rather be in the world at this very moment. The happiest place in the world, and as close as you’ll get to being an Olympic athlete. Meet and greet the runners and hear their stories. Of course the pain is yet to come. You may suffer on this course, I certainly did. I came in good shape but never have come close to my target times L. So just enjoy the course and the crowds, I don’t need to tell you about these. Yes kiss a girl at Wellesley, but also kiss a boy at Boston College around mile 22 – of course he will be drunk, but what the heck. And finally, when you make run up that final small hill and make the left turn on to Boylston, however tired you are, turn and acknowledge the great crowd with a wave. Take a close look at that last picture, they are stacked 20 deep cheering for you!

I often tell my youngest son when we’re doing something memorable or lining up for a big race, that that life is 90% waiting and 10% living,

…….this is your 10% living.

Enjoy and good luck…